jul 25, 1792 - Brunswick Manifesto

Description:

Duke of Brunswick (commander of advancing Prussian army) issued proclamation to French people. Promised freedom to those who didn't oppose his armies; threatened those who did. Aimed to end 'anarchy in the interior of France' and restore the king's legitimate authority.

Demands included: checking attacks on throne and altar; restoring king's security and liberty; placing him in a position to exercise legitimate authority. Any violence against the royal family would bring 'ever memorable vengeance' — military execution and complete destruction of Paris.

Backfired catastrophically: enraged Parisians instead of frightening them. Confirmed fears that foreign power + king were working together. Sounded like a foreign power threatening to destroy Paris. Radicalised moderates, strengthened republicans, increased calls to abolish the monarchy. Destroyed remaining trust in Louis XVI — seen as proof he wanted foreign intervention and was collaborating with the enemy. Directly led to the Storming of the Tuileries.

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